The heliocentric theory and its most relevant details

At the dawn of history, astronomy and knowledge about the solar system were still too early. Even some basic notions regarding the Earth were still inconclusive until then. Even so, the heliocentric theory could arise, thanks to the constant of certain important historical figures.

With the emergence of this new trend, many myths or false beliefs about the location of the Earth collapsed. At that time, it was believed that the human planet was the center of the universe, but that premise was collapsed after the arrival of Copernicus.


You may also be interested in our article: 5 curiosities of space: You will be surprised!


A look to the past. What is the heliocentric theory?

By the time of the XNUMXth century, recent advances in astronomy and the study of the planets were continuing to advance. At that time, Nicolaus Copernicus, revolutionized everything that was conceived about the universe, publishing his new work.

In it, the fundamental elements and the scientific bases on which his new theory was based were reflected. In addition, the definition of what the heliocentric theory is was established ipso facto, shocking the scientific community.

Briefly, it is a postulation that refutes the fact of a central planet Earth. Originally, the human planet was believed to be the central axis of the universe, whose surroundings were orbited by the sun and other planets.

However, when reading what the heliocentric theory is, it is discovered that, in reality, it is the Earth that revolves around the sun. Its orbit is influenced by it, specifically taking 365 days to go around the parent star.

whole planets

Source: Google

In turn, this premise established that the sun was at the center of the universe instead of Earth. Currently, it is known that he was not entirely correct, since the sun does not hold that specific title.

However, thanks to the heliocentric theory, the way was paved for modern astronomy. In addition, these studies were complemented by future generations and their contributions. Proof of this are the studies of Johannes Kepler on elliptical orbits or William Herschel and his fantastic telescope.

Why was there a conflict between the geocentric and heliocentric theory?

Although it may seem implausible, during past ages, scientific beliefs and postulations were little accepted. Once one was established, it was very difficult to change one's mind about the premise it preached.

Between the geocentric and the heliocentric theory, there was a conflict mainly because the first, favored a universal centric Earth. That is to say, Ptolemy expressed that, around the Earth, the sun, the moon, Venus and Mercury revolved.

In addition, according to certain investigations, not only the geocentric theory established that fact. But, strongly supported that the Earth was the center of the universe, where everything passed through its orbit.

The theory was based on the constant observation of the stars and their constellations. Ptolemy marked the fact that, if the Earth moved, the position of the stars in the sky would change and, therefore, the constellations.

However, the debate between the geocentric and heliocentric theory ended the idealistic position of Copernicus. It was one of the premises that gave rise to the Renaissance, a time of scientific excitement in every sense.

As religions directly supported geocentrism, there was a kind of scientific confrontation at that time. Nevertheless, heliocentrism prevailed, being supported by fresh discoveries by other scientists later on. Even so, several details were modified, but the important thing is that it served to guide the good path of astronomy.

Who contributed to the heliocentric theory? The fathers of astronomy!

Although it is true that Nicolaus Copernicus stomped on the heliocentric theory, There were already signs of it. Next, it will be briefly navigated about the characters that placed a grain of sand in favor of astronomy. Without them, it would basically not be possible to know what is currently under consideration.

Aristarchus of Samos

Ancient Greece witnessed the birth of great heroes who have been fundamental pieces of history. Among many, was Aristarchus of Samos, one of the first astronomers of which there is evidence. In life, he was an ace at math and calculations, helping him develop theories like heliocentricity.

That's right, Aristarchus he was the first to proclaim the orbit of the earth around the sun, but due to lack of bases and support, it failed. He could not fully verify such a postulation, so he eventually lost the interest of the scientific community.

Galileo Galilei

In addition to Aristarchus, part of the heliocentric theory, he owes his honor to the investigations and experimentations of Galileo. A man completely dedicated to science, completely fanatical about curiosity and knowledge.

Thanks to his refinement of the telescope, discovered important space objects which, until then, were unthinkable. For example, he established the different faces or luminous sides of the moon, refuting the idea that he was a translucent star.

solar system

Source: Google

In the same way, investigating beyond the borders of the Earth, he found Saturn, but he did not know how to specify his sighting. Then, with the observation of Jupiter's moons, Galileo came to an interesting conclusion.

If such natural satellites revolved around a being with a greater gravitational power, the same model should be imprinted on the solar system. Thus, Galileo He firmly believed that, with the parent star being the strongest gravitational force, everything else revolved around its orbit. As a result of this, his faithful commitment to the Copernicus revolution was born.

Nicolaus Copernicus

The Prussian astronomer stood out during the Renaissance for the postulation of the heliocentric theory. He took the foundations left by Galileo and, having no idea about it, exploited Aristarchus's idea centuries later.

Copernicus predicted that the earth rotated on its own axis and, furthermore, he did it around the sun. Therefore, he quickly knocked down and refuted all foundations of the geocentric theory, implementing a new vision of the universe and the solar system in general. Thanks to his excellent work, today, astronomy has reached where it is.


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